Everything you need to know about recycling waxed cardboard
Waxed cardboard includes:
Fruit box
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Learn more about recycling waxed cardboard
How to recycle waxed cardboard at work
Waxed cardboard is a thick type of cardboard that is covered in a thin layer of wax. It is usually used to make boxes that transport organics such as fruit and vegetables.
Unfortunately, waxed cardboard is not suitable for paper recycling but can be effectively composted. A selection of commercial recyclers offer waxed cardboard collection services which is generally provided through an on-site wheelie bin that is used for all organic scraps. Some suppliers may also accept clean waxed cardboard boxes for return and reuse.
Composting cardboard diverts large amounts of waste from landfill, decreases methane production and can reduce associated waste management costs.
Tips for recycling cardboard
Follow these recycling tips for paper and cardboard:
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Make sure paper and cardboard is clean and dry before putting it in the recycling bin
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Flatten paper and cardboard to make it as easy as possible for the recyclers
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By flattening the paper and cardboard, it will take up less space in bins and trucks, and it will also make sure the paper and cardboard moves through the sorting process at the recycling facility without issue
Some businesses may benefit from purchasing or leasing recycling equipment such as balers and compactors to efficiently manage the cardboard before it is picked up for recycling. Cardboard balers and compactors may even save your business money by taking up less space during transportation.
Why recycle?
Waxed cardboard boxes are commonly used for transporting fresh produce and, unfortunately, due to food contamination these boxes are generally only used once before being disposed of in landfill. They are generally not suitable for paper recycling due to their wax coating, which is usually made from a type of plastic called polyethylene. If waxed cardboard is put in the recycling bin with cardboard that doesn’t have a waxed coating, it will likely contaminate the recycling.
When waxed cardboard is sent to landfill it does not biodegrade and can produce methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide. By composting the cardboard instead (either on site or through a commercial recycling service) the cardboard is diverted from landfill, reducing methane production. It can also produce significant savings in waste management costs.
What happens to it?
Boxes are flattened and broken down into smaller pieces before being used in controlled amounts in compost systems. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler who will accept waxed cardboard.
